Digital platforms have become central infrastructures for political communication and social negotiation processes. They are often the subject of critical debate in this role. In his paper, “Platform Badges for Civic Communication: Strengthening the Democratic Public Sphere in the Digital Space” for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Jan Rau discusses the concept of platform badges. “The badge system can be understood as a tool through which platforms fulfill their obligation to mitigate risks by creating positive incentives for users to adhere to certain communicative norms,” writes the author.
Abstract
Digital platforms are key arenas for public discourse. However, disinformation, extreme views, and polarizing content often receive disproportionate visibility through algorithmic dissemination. In accordance with Articles 34 and 35 of the Digital Services Act (DSA), platform badges are a “governance-by-design” measure to mitigate such systemic risks. Those who commit to due diligence and deliberative communication receive algorithmic visibility advantages. These incentives encourage civil discourse, correct structural distortions, and safeguard fundamental rights, thereby strengthening the resilience of democratic public spheres.
This article is based on the article published in the journal “Internet Policy Review” (2025).
Rau, Jan (2026): Plattform-Badges für zivile Kommunikation. Stärkung der demokratischen Öffentlichkeit im digitalen Raum [Platform Badges for Civil Communication. Strengthening Democratic Public Sphere in the Digital Space]. Bonn: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Available at: https://collections.fes.de/publikationen/content/titleinfo/1967994.